Helping Your Young Person Transition into Independent Living

For many parents, the idea of their child moving out for the first time brings a mix of pride, excitement, and natural concern. Starting university and living away from home is a major life moment, not just for students, but for families too.

At Deakin Res, we understand how important it is for parents to feel confident that their young person is ready, supported, and set up for success. To help you guide them through this transition, we’ve put together some practical life skills that make a real difference once they’re living independently and we’d love your support in helping them prepare.

Life Skills for Moving Out of Home

Laundry 101 

One of the things our residents love is that laundry is completely free at Deakin Res. All they need to bring is their detergent. But the know-how still matters. Before they move in, it’s helpful for your young person to:

• Find out why it’s important to keep their lights and darks separate, and practice at home. 

• Start reading the washing labels on their favourite clothes so they know what can (and can’t) be washed together. 

• Learn how to iron. They might not need this often, but there will most likely be an event or job interview at some point during their stay where they’ll want to look sharp. 

Budgeting Basics 

Managing money independently can be a big adjustment. Parents play an important role in helping young people understand:

• How to plan a weekly or fortnightly budget

• What expenses to expect e.g. groceries, transport, social outings, and essentials

• How to track spending using simple apps like Frollo, TrackMySPEND or their bank’s budget tool

Before moving out, it can be helpful for your young person to practise managing a simple budget. You might encourage them to set aside a small amount of money, decide what it needs to cover for the week, and then review how they went. If it lasts, fantastic. If not, that’s completely normal. Building confidence with budgeting now makes the transition to living independently at Res much smoother.

Learn to Cook 3 Go-To Meals 

Your young person doesn’t need to be a master chef before moving onto Res but knowing how to prepare a few simple meals will make a big difference to their confidence and budget. Now is a great time to help them practise a handful of easy, affordable dishes they can rely on once they’re living independently. We suggest:

• A pasta or stir-fry with plenty of veg 

• A one-pan tray bake (chicken + veggies = sorted!)

• A solid breakfast option like overnight oats or scrambled eggs on toast 

Other Handy Tips for First-Time Residents

• Encourage a simple cleaning routine.
  A basic weekly tidy-up helps your young person take responsibility for their space, and their future housemates will appreciate it too.

• Help them feel confident using public transport.
  Even though classes are a short walk from their room, they’ll still need to head into town, visit the shops, or travel for work or social activities. Being comfortable navigating buses, trains, or trams will make life much easier.

• Remind them that asking for help is a strength.
  One of the biggest adjustments to independent living is knowing when to reach out. At Deakin Res, they’ll be surrounded by staff and Residential Leaders who genuinely want to see them succeed. Encouraging them to speak up early, whether they’re unsure, overwhelmed, or just need advice, sets them up for a smoother, more supported transition.

Living at Deakin Res is all about connection, growth, and new experiences, and we’ll be here to support your young person every step of the way. With a little preparation before they arrive, they’ll feel more confident, settled, and ready to make the most of this exciting new chapter.

For some practical do’s and don’ts once your young person is living at Deakin Res, we’ve previously chatted with a resident about their experience. You can read their insights in one of our earlier blogs for a helpful, first-hand perspective here.